Bobbin Lace

What is Bobbin Lace?

Bobbin Lace is a very old craft in which threads wound on small bobbins are twisted and crossed to create an open and decorative fabric. It is a very free form of weaving in which the warp and weft threads are constantly changing place. A loom of sorts is formed by pins which are pushed into the work surface to hold the threads in place. It is a wonderfully relaxing and rewarding hobby.

What equipment do you need?

A Lace Pillow - light weight pillows are made from polystyrene. They are fairly inexpensive: a domed shaped pillow, 18 inches diameter, costs about £25.00 Originally the pillows were filled with straw, packed tightly to ensure that the pins remained firmly in place and upright. This made them very heavy.

Threads - there is a variety of threads—linen, cotton, silk, metallic and wool—that can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses.

Patterns - a lace pattern is often called a ‘pricking’ as it consists of dots which mark the position of the pin holes. There are also zigzag lines that indicate the passage of the worker.

Bobbins - these can be wood or bone. They are often beautifully painted. Each country has its own style of lace bobbins. To be efficient bobbins should have a slim neck on which the thread is wound and have sufficient weight to keep the thread taut. English bobbins are spangled to add weight, this means that each has a loop of beads at the end of the bobbin.

Cover Cloths - a piece of fabric hemmed on all sides, usually the same fabric as the pillow cover. Used to cover part of the pillow when working, and the whole pillow when not in use.

Pins and Pin Cushion - pins can be either brass or steel.

Pin Pusher and Puller - used to push the pins downs into the pillow and for pulling the pins out of the pillow.

Threads - there is a variety of threads—linen, cotton, silk, metallic and wool—that can be purchased in a variety of thicknesses.

Patterns - a lace pattern is often called a ‘pricking’ as it consists of dots which mark the position of the pin holes. There are also zigzag lines that indicate the passage of the worker.

The Versatility of Bobbin Lace Today you will not see just pieces of white lace for edgings, mats or doilies but many lacemakers are working in coloured thread to create jewellery, scarves, Christmas decorations, fans, flowers and cards, to name just a few.

Types of LaceThere are two main categories of bobbin lace: continuous lace where the pattern and background are worked at the same time and sectional lace where the separate parts of a design are completed before being joined together on a mesh background. The most straightforward lace, and the one that is taught to beginners, is Torchon: it is a continuous lace and is geometric, logical and easy to understand.

Bobbin Lace is no longer considered the occupation of the elderly, it is a craft for all age groups.If you would like to know more, why not join Poole Bobbin Lace Circle and attend one of the associated classes run by experienced members of the Circle? You would receive a very warm welcome.